Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature with our Guide to the 1st arrondissement of Paris : What to do and Where to stay by Parisian contributor, Hannah Rees. Located right in the centre of Paris, the 1st arrondissement is a must-see when visiting the French capital. Steeped in history and culture with …
How France is Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about How France is Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. The 80th anniversary of D-Day next week marks a significant milestone in the remembrance of one of World War II’s most critical events. June 6th marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Normandy—the day in …
Top 10 travel destinations close to Paris
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Top 10 travel destinations close to Paris. by Parisian contributor, Hannah Rees When people think of France, their minds usually immediately go to Paris and it’s not hard to see why. As the City of Lights, it receives millions of visitors every year eager to …
Where to go in Paris to escape the Olympics: ten hidden gems and tranquil retreats
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Where to go in Paris to escape the Olympics: ten hidden gems and tranquil retreats by Parisian contributor, Hannah Rees. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the Olympics are taking place in Paris this summer. Perhaps you’re one of the few …
How to navigate Paris during the Olympics
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about How to navigate Paris during the Olympics by Parisian contributor, Hannah Rees. As Paris is getting ready for the Olympic Games happening this summer, you may be getting yourself prepared as well if you’re planning a trip to the City of Lights to experience the …
The Best Places to Visit in April 2024
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our guide to The Best Places to Visit in April 2024, by Hannah REES. As spring blossoms around the world, April beckons with the promise of mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and a perfect window for travel. If you’re planning your next getaway in April 2024, consider visiting one …
The Best Places to Visit in March 2024: Top 10 Travel Destinations
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our guide to The Best Places to Visit in March 2024: Top 10 Travel Destinations, by Hannah REES. With the first sunny days already here and spring just around the corner, March is the perfect month to travel. The flowers are blooming, the days are longer and for …
5 of the best resorts for expert skiers in 2024
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our guide to 5 of the best resorts for expert skiers in 2024. If you’ve been skiing for a few years in a row, there’s no need to return to the beginner slopes. Both in Europe and across the globe, there are world-class ski resorts ready to offer …
12 of the best Christmas markets in Europe for 2023
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our guide to 12 of the best Christmas markets in Europe for 2023. Christmas in Europe is a time for magical fairy lights, mulled wine, delicious pastries, midnight masses in gothic churches, Christmas wishlists, candle-lit evenings spent with family and friends, and of course – Christmas Markets. From …
3 adventurous activities to do in France
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and our guide to 3 adventurous activities to do in France. Whether it’s summer or winter, France always has the best terrain for outdoor activities. Boasting a diverse landscape including tall mountains and rolling hills, it’s an adrenaline enthusiast’s dream location. From skiing ventures in the Alps to rafting …
Ten best things to do in Cahors, France
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and our guide to the ten best things to do in Cahors, France. As an avid traveler, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting numerous stunning destinations across the globe. One place that truly captured my heart is Cahors (so much so that I nearly bought a house there!), a …
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Christmas Markets in Europe.
Hi and Welcome back to The Velvet Runway, and our Ultimate Guide to the Best Christmas Markets in Europe. As soon as Summer is over and the leaves start to fall and the evenings start to draw in, my thoughts immediately turn to Christmas. Christmas in Europe is a time for magical fairy lights, mulled …
What to do and see in Nice
It has been a while since our last travel guide (and a while since my last travels!) so I thought it was time to a) travel again, although I’m staying in France this time and b) share one of my trips with you, and what better place to start than with what to do and …
Swan Lake and the legend of the flottins
Today I want to share with you a story about Swan Lake and the legend of the flottins and flottines, little creatures who arrived at Evian on the shores of Lake Geneva and saved Christmas one winter night. The story takes place in Evian les Bains, a beautiful alpine town on the shores of Lake …
Chantilly Revisited – the gardens and the flower exhibition
This post is taken in the same place as my previous post, and specifically in the grounds of the castle of Chantilly. If you remember, I recently spent a day visiting the town of Chantilly, which is about 40 kms north of Paris (half an hour outside Paris by train), and I promised to share …
Ruffles and Chantilly
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this post about Ruffles and Chantilly. I recently spent a day visiting the town of Chantilly, which is about 40 kms north of Paris (half an hour outside Paris by train). The town itself is very pretty but the jewel in it’s crown is without doubt the impressive …
A day out in Bergues
The fortified town of Bergues is perhaps most famous for the filming of ‘Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis’ (or ‘Welcome to the sticks’), a 2008 French comedy film directed, co-written by, and starring Dany Boon. Much of the shooting took place in Bergues and you can follow a guided tour to visit some of the sites, such …
Paris in August
The good weather has finally come to Paris and the city is even more beautiful than usual! Read on for more photos and to find out what I love (and don’t like) about Paris in August. Dress – French Connection last season Paris in August The best thing about Paris in August is the fact that the …
Christmas shopping in Paris
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – except for the distinct lack of presents under the Christmas tree! In order to rectify this I rushed off for a 24 hour Christmas shopping in Paris expedition. For my guide to the best places to shop (valid all year) and the best window displays (Christmas …